Vatican theologians 'have approved second John Paul II miracle'

Italian media are reporting that the canonisation of Blessed John Paul II is another step closer.

Although the process is not complete and is supposed to be secret at this point, the Italian news agency ANSA and many Italian papers say Vatican sources confirmed yesterday that the theological consultants to the Congregation for Saints’ Causes affirmed that the description of prayers and events surrounding an alleged miracle provide evidence that the healing was accomplished through the intercession of the late pope.

The congregation’s board of physicians had said in April that there was no natural, medical explanation for the healing, which apparently involves a woman from Latin America healed on May 1 2011, just hours after Blessed John Paul was beatified.

Even if the news about the theological consultants is true, the cardinals who are members of the congregation still must vote on whether to recommend that the Pope recognise the healing as a miracle. The papal decree is needed before a canonisation date can be set.

Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz of Kraków, Blessed John Paul’s secretary, and many others are hoping the canonisation can be celebrated in October around the 35th anniversary of Pope John Paul’s election on October 16 1978.